In the world of discipleship, there’s a fundamental principle that often goes overlooked: “beholding the beauty of God. “
Think of it as the blueprint for building a life that mirrors God’s image.
In this article, we’ll explore the transformative power of beholding in discipleship.
Discipleship as a Blueprint
Discipleship is essentially a construction project where we are the builders, and God is the architect. Just like a skilled architect designs blueprints to guide construction workers, God has provided us with a divine blueprint and it’s embodied in Jesus. To understand the art of discipleship, we must begin with beholding this blueprint.
The Goal: becoming like God
The primary objective of discipleship isn’t merely self-improvement; it’s about becoming a reflection of God himself. God’s intention is to mold us into His likeness, not to create slightly improved versions of ourselves. To grasp this, discipleship must start with intentionally beholding Jesus, for He is the blueprint, the end product of discipleship.
Avoiding a self-centered approach
Unfortunately, many people approach discipleship with a self-centered perspective. They seek God’s help to achieve personal goals, treating Him as a means to an end. This approach is evident in countless christian books and teachings that promise secret formulas for securing God’s favor. In reality, this approach veers closer to manipulation than authentic discipleship.
God: Not in our Image
It’s crucial to recognize that God is not made in our image; we are made in His. True Christian maturity is measured by our progress toward resembling His image. The core issue is our failure to truly know God. Without a genuine understanding of Him, we cannot effectively disciple others.
The Promise of Transformation
The Bible assures us that we will be transformed into God’s image in ways beyond our comprehension. It’s not just about adopting better morals; it’s about becoming like God. Our citizenship is in heaven, and even our bodies will be made like his glorious body. Discipleship goes far beyond the pursuit of personal improvement.
The True Objective of Discipleship
Discipleship isn’t merely a path to heavenly rewards through obedience; it’s about seeking God himself. The apostle Paul serves as a prime example, longing not for heaven, but to be with God. His desire was to be with Christ, not retirement in heaven.
A Beautiful Treasure
Deep discipleship demands a deep love for Jesus. We must help people behold Jesus as the ultimate treasure. In Matthew 13:44, we find a parable that illustrates this concept perfectly. The kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure, and when we find Jesus, we should be willing to joyfully sell all we have to obtain Him.
A Genuine Desire
Jesus doesn’t want mere duty-bound followers. He seeks those who find genuine joy in following Him. He never forced anyone to follow Him; instead, he patiently waited for those who willingly embraced Him out of love.
Beholding: The Key to Discipleship
In conclusion, beholding the beauty of God in the person of Jesus is the key to discipleship. We must see Jesus as the ultimate treasure and be drawn to Him out of love and fascination. The goal is not simply heaven but becoming like Jesus. Let’s commit ourselves to this beautiful journey of discipleship, driven by our love for the Savior.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
